The ancient city of Xian is where most of our itineraries start, because it's close to the wilderness regions you'll head to for giant panda tracking. Xian is home to the once mighty Terracotta Warriors; a true sight to behold is seeing the army lines and imagining them, 2,000 years or so ago, in a blaze of colour. As the end of the Silk Road, Xian was a very important city and evidence of its status can still be seen in its buildings. It's a fascinating place to stay for a couple of nights. Aurum International Hotel MID This is a large, 302 room hotel located in the business district. It's popular with tourists and provides a comfortable base with modern amenities for your stay, such as indoor swimming pool and health centre. Xian Hotel MID If you want to be close to the historical sites of Xian, then this is the hotel for you. It also has all of the modern amenities you'd except of an international hotel and well- appointed rooms. Foping Nature Reserve Foping Nature Reserve is one of the main centres for giant panda tracking. During your time here you will explore different parts of the reserve, hiking deeper to fi nd the elusive panda. This gives a varied and interesting look at the fl ora and fauna and increases your chances of sightings. Foping is also the centre of the panda conservation effort, and you'll have the chance to learn more about the research at the Shaanxi Foping National Nature Reserve Bureau and Qinling Mountains Man and Nature Educational Centre. China Xian 114 China is an exceptionally beautiful place, and the areas in which you'll track giant panda showcase its natural and rugged magnifi cence in absolute splendour. Tracking giant pandas in their own habitat certainly presents an unsurpassed and exciting opportunity to the wildlife enthusiast. The world's highest density of pandas live at high altitude in the Qinling Mountains, in Shaanxi province in the north- eastern region of China, solitary creatures that will provide a real adventure to those that want to see them. This is a fantastic chance to learn about panda protection fi rst- hand, amid simply stunning surrounds. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

Laoxiancheng Nature Reserve Laoxiancheng Nature Reserve is another of the main centres for giant panda tracking, linked to the Foping Nature Reserve. Giant pandas can wander between the two, giving you a wider area in which to fi nd them. Not only is this region home to the world's highest density of pandas but the rich and diverse range of ecosystems of the Qinling Mountains also ensures the survival of many rare species including golden monkey, takin, crested ibis, golden eagle and clouded leopard. Reserve Hostel Accommodation at Foping and Laoxiancheng is basic with limited heating and bathroom facilities. Hot water will be available ( subject to season). Food is local Chinese style with seasonal vegetables. This is a place to lay your head, rather than fancy accommodation! Changqing Nature Reserve Changqing Nature Reserve is a beautiful area of mixed terrain, providing differing habitats in which the giant pandas and other wildlife can live. Wild rivers and lovely waterfalls are interspersed with fl ora and plant life - a nice environment for you to trek in and the pandas to live in. You'll also explore in higher mountains amid high altitude vegetation in the hope of not only spotting giant panda, but golden takin, golden monkey and myriad birdlife. Because the reserve is located next to the rural village of Huayang, you can stay here and explore Chinese local life and culture. Village house Your base will be a local guesthouse, where you will stay in the home of villagers. While this provides more rustic accommodation, it does also give you a unique insight into rural Chinese life and the home- cooking using local ingredients will be great! Shaanxi Crested Ibis Nature Reserve Yang County, and the Shaanxi Crested Ibis Nature Reserve, are home to the only wild population of the endangered crested ibis in the world. Since 1981, when seven were discovered, this rare bird has been protected by a dedicated group who research the bird's habitat and behaviour in order to increase numbers and awareness. Its numbers have now increased dramatically. The area itself is mountainous, and dotted with rivers and streams - an eco-system that the ibis thrives in. A unique opportunity to see a fantastic bird and wonderful protection project. Ibis Protection Centre Accommodation is at the reserve. Again it is more basic accommodation but a good base for your explorations. Golden Monkey Reserve There are three species of golden monkey which all live in the forests or mountains of China: they inhabit the bamboo jungles, coniferous forests and rhododendron thickets found in the high central and western mountains. Golden monkeys are endangered, and protection policies here aren't as advanced as others. This presents a good opportunity to see these most delightful creatures. Accommodation will be in a local lodge. ASIA | CHINA 115 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Xian, via Beijing Day 2 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 2- nights. Visit the amazing Terracotta Warriors ( BLD, no meals included on day 2) Day 4 Yang Country, Ibis Protection Centre, 1- night. See wild population of crested ibis ( BLD) Day 5 Foping Nature Reserve, hostel, 4- nights. Day 9 Laoxiancheng Nature Reserve, hostel, 2- nights. Hiking to spot more wild pandas ( BLD) Day 11 Golden Monkey Reserve, 1- night, lodge ( BLD) Day 12 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 1- night. Time at leisure ( BL) Day 13 Depart Xian for UK, via Beijing ( B) IN PURSUIT OF PANDAS We've designed this itinerary to take in two of the Qinling Mountain reserves where giant pandas live, thus increasing your chances of sighting. Foping and Laoxiancheng are connected, and pandas wander through both. You'll also have the opportunity to see other Chinese wildlife such as crested ibis and golden monkey. TAILOR- MADE SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Xian, via Beijing Day 2 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 2- nights. Visit the amazing Terracotta Warriors ( BL, no meals included on day 2) Day 4 Huayang, village house, 3- nights. Village visit and watch crested ibis roost ( BLD) Day 5 Changqing Nature Reserve for giant panda tracking and other wildlife spotting such as golden takin, golden monkey and numerous birds ( BLD) Day 7 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 1- night. Time at leisure ( BLD) Day 8 Depart Xian for UK, via Beijing ( B) Departure dates Daily, mid- March to November Cost per person From £ 2199 ( Mar - Jun, mid- Aug - Sept, Nov) £ 2399 ( Jul - Aug, Oct) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights hotel accommodation, three nights guesthouse accommodation, guided activities PANDA HIGHLIGHTS This trip offers an opportunity to track and view giant pandas in their natural habitat. Pandas are excellent at evading human presence, yet land pressure means the threat of extinction. Viewing of wild pandas cannot of course be guaranteed, but you will have the opportunity to experience the wildlife of China fi rst- hand on this shorter itinerary. TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com Departure dates Daily, mid- March to November Cost per person From £ 3095 ( Mar - Jun, mid- Aug - Sept, Nov) £ 3295 ( Jul - Aug, Oct) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights hotel accommodation, one night lodge accommodation and seven nights hostel accommodation, guided activities